#NYFWNoir: Aurora James’ Ethiopian Inspired F/W16 Collection

Love and nature have many elements in common. They often intersect, which is displayed by Aurora James’ F/W16 collection for Brother Vellies.

The CFDA award winner held her show at Industria Super Studio in NYC on Thursday afternoon, presenting a collection of over a dozen looks entitled “The Language of Flowers”. Circled by actual butterflies, the models sported earth tone bodysuits and coats soft and neutral in presence to highlight the beautiful footwear and handbags sourced from Ethiopia, Morocco and South Africa.

“A recent trip to the Omo Valley in Ethiopia was a major source of inspiration for the collection,” James said in a statement. “Indigenous women don highly embellished dress consisting of flower decorations and body art and look to elements in nature to communicate nonverbal feelings and sentiments. The inter-tribal communication relies on the visual and often takes place via the unspoken.”

Compared to her past collections, F/W16 is the most dynamic in terms of type of shoe. We’re seeing new heel heights, prints, stitching and colors (blush, mint and cinnamon suede) from the designer. In a way, she took a risk, but didn’t deviate too far from why she’s beloved.

“Just as flowers communicate with each other in a language unknown and unseen; women around the world have their own language with each other that is rooted in the bonds we share,” she adds.